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Magic Chairs - Efterklang
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. No Ripcord
    90
    That the record plays out so consistently and yet flows with such apparent ease is testament to the skills honed by the band since its inception back in Copenhagen in 2000.
  2. Austin Chronicle
    89
    The band's third LP scales back and sharpens the electronic textures and cinematic sweep that defined 2007's "Parades," and the result is Efterklang's most immediate work.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Magic Chairs is an album that understands the importance of harmonies, and the importance of the score.
  4. BBC Music
    80
    It's focused, and superbly executed, but forgoes immersive longevity for determined immediacy.
  5. Mojo
    80
    The economy and velvet touch of Efterklang's music-making have survived, except the finesse is now allied to a newly arresting, wistful songwriting style that carries with it echoes of the early Coldplay.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    Rather than attempting to outdo themselves, Efterklang scale back, ending sweetly, without overplaying their hand or overstaying their welcome.
  7. musicOMH.com
    80
    A very satisfying addition to an already impressive Efterklang discography, then--and it would be interesting to see if the band writes faster music on their next album.
  8. NOW Magazine
    80
    There's still a tendency toward icy detachment, but considering their affection for almost overwrought instrumental embellishments, the restraint serves them well.
  9. Hot Press
    80
    Classy Copenhagen act unveil penchant for pop.
  10. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    On Magic Chairs, Efterklang manages to excise its most affected gestures, keep its penchant for wide-ranging adventurousness, and bring new found confidence to the more personal, micro-aspects of their sound. The result is a triumphant orchestral pop record which radiates with intelligence and touch.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Efterklang's first release on the legendary 4AD label is packed full of immediate melodies and soul.
  12. Clash Music
    70
    Paired down to their essence, this distilled Efterklang is premium strength stuff.
  13. Under The Radar
    60
    While Magic Chairs is decidely more hit than miss, one can't help but wonder, "where have I heard this before?" Oh yeah...in every other ultra-pleasant orchestral popper out there. [Winter 2010, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Uncut
    60
    The resultant mash-up of Noughties Brooklyn cool and Flaming Lips grand folly can exhilarare, but there is also a worrying tendency for Magic Chairs to strain for significance like Coldplay. [Mar 2010, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Q Magazine
    60
    While there's plenty to admire, Magic Chairs feels like th work of a band who can't quite allow themselves to make the anthemic indie-rock of which they're clearly capable. [Mar 2010, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. The Guardian
    60
    It's emotional music, full of subtle ­tension and lurking drama.
  17. Slant Magazine
    60
    It's a little too easy to hear the band in Arcade Fire mode here and Coldplay mode there, which raises the uncomfortable question of what, exactly, Efterklang sounds like in Efterklang mode. That's not a question that Magic Chairs resolves, but it ends up being quite a lot of fun just listening to them play around with some possible answers.
  18. Dusted Magazine
    60
    For now, the experience of listening to Magic Chairs is a frustrating one: the sound of a group with one foot remaining in art-pop territory and the other pointed toward an arena-sized sound. Efterklang might pull off either mode, but their occupation of the same space is a source of unwanted friction.
  19. Pitchfork
    59
    Let's hope Magic Chairs is as much terminal as it is transitional, meaning that next time, they'll get all of that grandness right.
  20. Paste Magazine
    59
    The album struggles at times to raise its head from the multi-instrumental pack; textured as it is, there's a muted quality to this collection that inevitably leaves ears slightly cold. It's pretty, but not always gripping.
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